Choosing The Right Door For Your House

Garage doors have undergone a complete metamorphosis in recent years. Traditionally used as nothing more than a barrier, the garage door is now relied upon as a means of insulation, security and most importantly style. At Access Garage doors we approach garage door installation completely fresh for every client that we work for because every house has a different character. As a significant component of a property’s facade, the garage door needs to complement the building’s unique characteristics and work with the architecture. The UK and Wales is blessed with a rich architectural heritage due to the country’s long and varied history which has dotted the urban landscape with a diverse collection of building styles.

If you are buying garage doors in South Wales then you’ll probably be mulling over the various options and styles available before you call up a garage door company. It is essential that you get the style and colour just right – after all, once installed garage doors will last a long time so you don’t want to make the wrong choice and misguidedly choose something that is out of place or doesn’t look right. In this article we’ll be giving you some valuable advice on what kind of designs align with the various types of architecture most commonly found in South Wales.

Georgian architecture references the period between 1700 and 1840 and is characterised by its use of formal but ornate features such as long sash windows, classical facades and single colour brickwork. Garages in Georgian houses are very rare as this period of architecture was pre-automobile but those fortunate enough to live in a Georgian building, installing a detached period style garage is a very popular way to go. Traditional style doors with classic panelling do a great job of purveying the symmetrical and formal appearance of Georgian architecture. Wood or imitation wood texture works the best.

South Wales has a lot of Victorian style properties, most of which were built in the 19th century from the money that came with mass-industrialisation. The coal mined in South Wales during the Victorian boom found its way to Newport and Cardiff where it was then shipped off to locations along the west coast of England. Characteristics of a Victorian house are coloured red brickwork, bay windows and elaborate gable trim.

When looking at garage door styles to choose for a Victorian era building, you should try a simple white as this will contrast nicely against the dark red brickwork. In terms of the type of garage door this is dependent on your preference but side hinged doors tend to really compliment the general victorian aesthetic. An added bonus of choosing side-hinged garage doors is that they are completely silent when opened.

Just as the Victorian period ended, the Edwardian style set in as a reaction to increased wealth and the subsequent need for more space. Whilst the production of Victorian homes was very much based on the need to mass produce small low-cost houses for workers, the Edwardian period of 1901 – 1910 sought to refine this. Most Edwardian properties are found in the suburbs where there was more room to expand. Automobiles had started to come into use during this period which is why it is not uncommon to see Edwardian properties with garages and drives. Edwardian properties are quite common in South Wales and most likely descend from turn of the century owners who had attained affluence through coal and other industries.

Edwardian houses tend to embody Tudor-era artefacts such as cladding and timbers so it is important when choosing a garage door to pick something that works well with this classic but roomier style. The classic side-hinged garage door with windows fits this aesthetic perfectly especially as the small windows tend to create a sense of uniformity with the often wide and symmetrical windows of an Edwardian house. Window hinged garage doors are also in keeping with the classic Edwardian front door which is usually two thirds glazed from the top down. If you do opt for hinged garage doors with windows then choosing coloured hinge fixings against a light coloured door is also a great option. This creates continuity between the patterned timber frames often found on the facade of Edwardian buildings.

Modern houses and the contemporary architecture that underpins them is very much designed focused. Although the modern style is a catch all term, there are a few underlying features that are indicative of this recent architectural phenomenon. With traditional houses in short supply, developers are being forced to build from the ground up on completely new areas. This has led to an increase in the number of contemporary housing units being built as developers opt more for a streamlined minimal look.

In contrast to more traditional styles of property, contemporary units focus on minimalism and simplicity as opposed to extravagant claddings and patterns. This is to create a sense of space and cleanliness. Any visual distinctions are made in the forms of subtle but interesting textures whilst there is a huge focus on function and practicality prompting most modern houses to come with attached garages.

The thinking behind contemporary architecture is so vastly different to the styles before it that traditional side hinged garage doors would look out of place. Keeping in mind the importance of functionality and streamlining, the automated roller shutter garage door is the perfect fixture for a modern house design. The almost seamless shutter curtain adheres to the principles of space by rolling up into a compact cylinder on the inside of the garage door creating an uncluttered feeling. Automation is a feature used on most of our roller shutter garage doors and it marries in well with the concept of the home being built for function. In terms of colour, neutral and tasteful tones always work well eg. cream, teal, beige and grey.

At Access Garage Doors we will work to your exact requirements to provide garage doors that complement the appearance of your home and keep your home and contents secure. If you are actively looking for new garage doors in South Wales, it doesn’t matter whether you have your mind set on something or are just in need of some advice, our friendly and experienced team are happy to assist in whatever capacity you wish.

Whether your property is period, turn of the century or modern, out thorough surveys will assess everything about your garage from dimensions to accessibility to ensure that we can install garage doors that fit perfectly and will last.

If you would like more information on how our garage doors can bolster the security of your home, please call us on 029 2061 4858 or send us an online enquiry today.